Area officials brace for more winter weather

SIKESTON, Mo. — With the first real dose of winter sweeping across the Bootheel, area officials are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.

The National Weather Service expects the area to experience between a tenth of an inch of freezing rain in northern Scott County to as much as a half-inch in southern New Madrid County through Thursday evening. The rain may be followed by record low temperatures, weather officials forecast.

After Portageville City officials participated in a conference call with Paducah National Weather Service and other regional officials on Tuesday afternoon, they urged citizens to take stock and prepare for this weather event.

The following advice can be heeded by residents throughout the region.

While city employees will work to keep the streets as free from ice as possible, travel during this time may be hazardous, officials said. They urged citizens to limit travel.

In the event that Portageville experiences electrical interruptions during this event, residents were asked to have a plan in place where they can go to be warm. City officials said they will monitor the situation and set up warming centers if necessary.

Residents can prepare for the storm by having at least three days worth of food available. Also they should be sure their vehicles have fuel and prescriptions are filled.

“Our community has always looked out for one another and taken care of those who may be in need,” officials said, They urged residents to check on those who may not have the ability to properly prepare for this event.

Due to the possibility of extreme record-setting cold, the city suggested residents leave at least one faucet dripping with cold water at their home to help prevent water lines from freezing and breaking

Also those with outside animals were asked to make sure they have someplace to get in out of the weather and keep warm.

Recalling the ice storm of 2009, officials added, “Our community is familiar with the challenges mother nature sometimes presents us with. As always, I am amazed with the resiliency and care that Portageville residents show in overcoming these challenges... as I fully expect us to do again,” officials said.

New Madrid’s city crews began preparing for this possible ice storm Tuesday afternoon as well.

If the event the city does lose power, City Administrator Richard McGill said generators were moved to the community building on Mill Street. It will available as a warming center and for those needing power to run medical equipment.

The Gideon, Portageville and Risco School Districts were not in session on Wednesday as well as surrounding districts across the region including Sikeston R-6, Scott County Central, Scott County R-4 “Kelly” in Benton, Saint Francis Xavier in Sikeston, The Christian Academy in Sikeston, St. Henry in Charleston and St. Denis in Benton.

New Madrid County R-1, which hosts virtual classes on Wednesdays, asked teachers to remain at home rather than report to their buildings. Charleston R-1 moved classes to all-virtual on Wednesday. The district asked its parents and students to check their emails, Google Classroom and Seesaw apps for instructions and expectations on virtual learning days. East Prairie R-2 Schools also switched to distance learning on Wednesday.

In addition to local schools, businesses and government entities included Sikeston City Hall, Scott County Courthouse and Mississippi County Courthouse closed Wednesday due to the weather.

By mid-morning Wednesday, the Charleston Department of Public Safety encouraged residents to take safety precautions on its Facebook page. “Roads and sidewalks in town are covered with a glaze of ice,” DPS said. “If you do not need to get out, please stay at home.”

More information about road conditions is available at the following websites:

traveler.modot.org/map

www.idrivearkansas.com

www.gettingaroundillinois.com

goky.ky.gov

www.tn511.com